Space for pets gains weight in the choice of own home

The search for a faithful companion to face the isolation of the pandemic made Brazil end 2021 with almost 150 million pets in houses or apartments.

The growth, of approximately 4% in relation to the previous year according to a survey by the IPB (Instituto Pet Brasil), reverberates in several sectors of the country’s economy.

In the real estate market, the animals already receive attention at the “pet friendly” sales stands and gain increasingly larger and more exclusive spaces in the condominiums.

In general, the places have grass lining and equipment such as ramps, tunnels, toys and running obstacles for animals to spend energy outside the apartment.

“Until ten years ago, we saw that there was a demand located in upscale neighborhoods. Now, the weight of this item has increased for everyone. It is essential to have a pet place in the building today. It is no longer a trend, it is an obligation”, says Lucas Araújo, Trisul’s marketing and intelligence director.

Dogs are the focus of construction companies, as they are the majority of animals in Brazilian homes. There are 58 million, the institute points out — that’s more than twice as many cats.

The presence of animals changes the priorities of those looking for the ideal place to live and makes pet spaces a high-value differential.

“In a survey with our customers, almost 40% chose the property for the pet place”, says Marcelo Dzik, director of incorporation at Even.

“It’s a space where the dog manages to expend energy and is also a place for residents to live together”, says Penélope Bernardo, product development superintendent at Trisul.

According to research carried out by the Apto platform at the request of Sheet, the pet place in the common area is part of the launches for all income brackets. The cheapest apartment that has the space costs R$ 138 thousand, and the most expensive is worth more than R$ 7 million.

The reserved place is usually opposite the dormitories, playgrounds and ballrooms, so there is no interference in other common areas. There is also a concern about security.

“We think from bulkheads and which species of plants will be placed in the pet place to the exclusive laundry room for clothes and accessories for the animals”, says Dzik.

IPB data show that the pet products, services and trade sector surpassed the R$ 51.7 billion mark for the first time last year.

The institute’s estimate, based on the performance of the first half, is that the sector’s revenue will reach R$ 59.2 billion in 2022.

For Tecnisa, with more dogs and cats than children in Brazilian homes, concern for the welfare of animals has made society adapt to their constant presence.

The company delivers its new ventures with space to practice agility. The sport consists of making the dog run the circuit in the shortest possible time and with the fewest number of faults.

Some condominiums allow residents to hire trainers or handlers for their animals. Builders are entering this niche.

“In addition to the physical spaces, we want to offer services through partnerships with training companies, caregivers and hotels, attributing even more value to the property”, says the director of Even.